Former Arsenal star Torreira punched in shopping centre as suspect 'jealous of his relationship'

Lucas Torreira is pursuing charges in Turkey after being attacked in a shopping centre by a man allegedly jealous of the former Arsenal star's relationship.

Torreira, who joined Turkish giants Galatasaray from Arsenal in 2022, was attacked outside of a cafe in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old had taken photos with fans, before being surprised by the alleged assailant.

The suspect was claimed to have planned his attack having waited outside of a shopping centre for Torreira.

Torreira informed police that one of his friends and his driver intervened, with the latter punching the man in response to separate them.

Footage published by Turkish media showed the suspect being kicked when on the ground, before attempting to flee the scene.

The suspect, described as YY by police, and Torreira's driver were both reportedly detained with an investigation launched.

'A man came up to me and said he wanted to take a picture with me. After taking a picture with him, I saw another man approaching, and I thought he also wanted to take a picture,' Torreira said in a statement to police, as reported by CNN Turk.

'After he got close, he suddenly punched me in the left side of my head. I didn't understand what was happening.

'I tried to defend myself, and my driver and my friend, who were there at the time, came to my aid to protect me and remove the individual from the scene. After separating us, the person got into a taxi and tried to drive away. I did not physically assault this person in any way.

'I don't know why he did something like that, I've never seen him before. Following the incident, I went to the hospital for a check-up and I want to submit my reports to you, the officials. I have a headache because of the incident.

'I am filing a complaint and pressing charges against the person in question who assaulted me and caused my injuries.'

An examination revealed Torreira had 'redness between his left eyebrow and eye' after being struck.

A police statement confirmed the suspect would be brought to court on Wednesday.

It was reported that the suspect was already subject to a restraining order for harassing Torreira's girlfriend, as well as having a previous conviction for causing an 'intentional injury'.

The suspect was reported to have also made threats to Torreira on social media, with the individual claimed to have been jealous of the Galatasaray star's relationship.

Torreira has helped Galatasaray win four league titles since joining the club from Arsenal.

The midfielder has also won a Turkish Cup and Super Cup with the club.